Assemblea Musicale Teatrale ‎– Dietro le Sbarre (1976, LP, Italy)

Tracklist:
1. Allora Potrai Cominciare (3:27)
2. Il Quadro Antico (4:45)
3. La Pazzia (4:46)
4. Alle Donne Brutte (3:49)
5. La Violenza (3:58)
6. Ninna Nanna Del Piccolo Borghese (5:39)
7. L'Impotente (3:22)
8. E Tu Che Ne Fai Di Tuo Fratello? (3:21)
9. Donna (4:47)
10. La Nostra Storia (3:17)

Musicians:
Bruno Biggi / Bass, Guitar, Flute
Ricerca Popolare / Choir
Gianni Martini / Guitar, Violin, Vocals
Giampiero Alloisio / Guitar, Vocals
Ezio Cingano / Keyboards
Lilli Ladeluca / Vocals
Alberto Canepa / Percussion, Vocals

L'Assemblea Musicale Teatrale (The Assembly of Musical Theatre) formed in Genoa, Italy at the beginning of 1975, after the dissolution of progressive rock group La Famiglia degli Ortega. The band, with original members Bruno Biggi, Alberto Canepa and Gianni Martini, came together with the intention of creating performances that combine Italian rock with a variety of theatrical and experimental musical components, with a strong focus on social and political lyrical themes, especially those that were important to student movement groups in the 70's. Their first shows were censored due to explicitly criticizing personalities in Genoa. The nine members involved in the group at different points released three very different albums throughout their four years of activity until their dissolution in 1979, but the project has since regrouped under vocalist Giampiero Alloisio, leading to a comeback release in 2002.

Of particular interest to progressive rock fans (and especially RPI enthusiasts) is their debut `Dietro le Sbarre' (Behind Bars). A suffocating mood, daring experimentation, intricate instrumental arrangements, classical charm, weary passionate vocals and avant-garde strangeness can all be found on this fascinating work, comparable to the more daring and darker Italian progressive albums of the 70's. Follow up album `Marilyn' (1977) appears in more of a folk singer/songwriter style, while `Il Sogno di Alice' (The Dreams of Alice) from 1979 is something a return to grander works with piano and strings, but as a mix of commercial, folk and adult pop/rock with slight proggy leanings. (progarchives)